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All assassin Emmy Black wants for Christmas is three days off work and plenty of junk food, but instead, she’s left dashing around the country after her assistant comes up with yet another harebrained scheme.

Five girlfriends, four Christmas wishes, three crazy days, two exes, one jet…

Will it be happy holidays or hell on earth?

Spirit is a standalone novella in the Blackwood Security series.

144 pages, ebook

First published November 30, 2020

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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5 stars
114 (82%)
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21 (15%)
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3 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Elise Noble.
Author 86 books686 followers
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December 2, 2020
Spirit is here!

All assassin Emmy Black wants for Christmas is three days off work and plenty of junk food, but instead, she’s left dashing around the country when her assistant comes up with yet another harebrained scheme.

Five girlfriends, four Christmas wishes, three crazy days, two exes, one jet…

Will it be happy holidays or hell on earth?

Purchase links:
Amazon
iBooks
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Barnes & Noble
Google Play

Profile Image for SylviaV.
558 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2020
Spirit - Blackwood Security 10.5 by Elise Noble
This is a delightful tale featuring the many and varied characters that make up the Blackwood Security family. It is told from Emmy's point of view and we get more insight into her life and her relationships. There were serious issues tackled in this book; told among a backdrop of absurd situations Emmy and friends find themselves in. This is all handled with sharp/witty dialogue and kickass attitude. Another great book in the series. It is a stand alone novella, but this is book 10.5 in the series. If you are new to the series; start with The Black Trilogy (Book 1 to 3 Blackwood Security) and Black (the bonus story at the end of book 3) available in a box set.
Like the other books in the series, this novella delivers non stop action and adventure. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2020
A great little novella to help put you in the Christmas spirit! It contains everything you could want from a Blackwood Security book. Bradley, up to his usual over the top hijinks, and Emmy doing what Emmy does best. I love seeing the softer side of Emmy, and how easily she is able to manipulate Black, she really does have him wrapped around her little finger. Beneath it all Black really does have a heart, even if it is only seen by Emmy, their love for each other is like no other, infinite and ever consuming. This was a lovely reminder as to why I fell in love with Black and Emmy and the whole Blackwood crew. Thanks Elise, this was a perfect pre-christmas pick me up that left me feeling warm and tingly all over. I love a happy ending!!
2,281 reviews13 followers
November 25, 2020
Oh wow! As we’ve read about prior Xmas events at Riverly I was excited to see what would happen this year! As always Emmy, Bradley and crew didn’t disappoint at all. I felt myself lol throughout the book. Altho there were times I wanted Black and Emmy to kill a few douchebags. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop, it was thrilling and hilarious but soo Emmy and Black! The details and thought that went into this book amazed me. It’s like being in a dream world I loved it. Can’t wait for the next book now.
Profile Image for Whitney.
719 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2020
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
Well Elise Noble did it again! This is a Blackwood Series novella that takes place at Christmas time. Bradley is up to his usual shenanigans and is decking the halls in Bradley style. Emmy is tasked to reconnect a family and help a woman in need. Doing so leads to an amazing adventure. During this story there was so many laugh out loud moments but my favorite came from Emmy, "there's not enough orifices in the world for that." There is only one negative i can say about this book and its that it ended too soon!
Profile Image for Jezza Mae.
49 reviews
November 25, 2020
Amazing!
Spirit is a novella from the Blackwood Security Series by the authot Elise Noble. It is an early christmas gift from Emmy and the girls. In this novella, you could read how will Emmy spend her christmas differently from Bradley's yearly christmas project. Everyone will have fun reading this novella. A total page turner and super fun to read. A must read book.
14 reviews
November 25, 2020
This is a Blackwood Novella and its fantastic! Christmas wishes do come true when Blackwood gets involved. But granting those wishes isn’t always easy. Sometimes people get kidnapped, lose their jobs and get stuck for hours on the runway. All the troubles are worth it when they result in families reunited and a little girls dream come true. This book is a great read.
Profile Image for Siti.
Author 3 books17 followers
December 1, 2020
As usual Elise does not disappoint. And this book is pretty special as Emmy’s and Black’s soft sides appear in prettier and more beautiful ways.

And another history is finally seeing the light of the day! Yeay!

And... and... new characters! Double yeay!!

A festive start to a (hopefully) festive month, indeed. Thank you 💜🥳
Profile Image for Leisel.
541 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2020
If you feel Christmas 2020 has been skewed by Covid then this wonderful novella is definitely what you need to read! 🎅🤶
Author Elise Noble certainly knows how to bring Christmas cheer and seasons greetings to one and all and this little jaunt won't disappoint the reader. When you know it is one of the best holiday seasons greatest days who best to get in to organise the event but her most trusted assistant Bradley. From the very first page I loved every minute, fully knowing that this was going to be one truly eventful ride to even get to Christmas Day. Wonderful characters filled with hilarous ideas, one liners and true moments of what the true message of the season is about. .... friendships, family, love and mayhem, oh and a little bit of revenge and manipulation if Emmy, Black and Blackwood Security are involved. When everything and more can go wrong trust that there are Angels out there to make life better, even if those Angels might be deadly assassins, their true personality shines brighter than the stars in a midnight sky. Truly love the resiliency and comraderie that exists with these characters.
Loved how a group of males sitting around watching football can best be described as a "special forces convention" says even the simplest sleepover for children is quite entertaining description. Great balance involving themes of real life scenarios, humourous lines of conversations, truly colourful characters and that wonderful feeling of goodness from the hearts of compassionate people....
Oh and the inclusion of ponicorns to help celebrate Christmas in true Bradley style.
(Merry Christmas everyone)

I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Trish Goodgame.
434 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2020
What a great novella with Emmy and the Blackwood Security team! Bradley, her flamboyant assistant is up to his usual over the top Christmas celebration plans as all the team groan and roll their eyes. The girls manage to change Bradley's ideas for Christmas at Riverley, to an old folks home, a women's shelter and a youth centre. How hard could that be? When Bradley promises wishes will be granted, there are some really difficult ones to pull off. In her usual inimitable style, Elise Noble brings her characters to life once again - so much so, you feel they are your friends - people you know and not just characters in a book. I love the interactions between the characters and seeing Emmy's softer side and her steadfast love for Black. We also see a softer side to Black and how Emmy has him wrapped around her little finger. There are some hilarious laugh out loud moments and "aww" moments and of course lots of adventure and excitement. Do yourself a favour and get a copy and copies for your friends! A fabulous Christmas novella that would also make a great stocking filler for any readers on your Christmas list!
I wish I could give more than 5 stars.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
69 reviews
December 1, 2020
A very Blackwood-style Christmas

Anyone who has read the Blackwood books by Elise Noble knows just what excesses Bradley is likely to bring to the table for any celebration – the more outlandish and the more glitter, the better! If you’re new to the Blackwood world, don’t worry, this standalone novella is a fun romp with plenty of sass, heart-warming moments, snarky one liners and, of course, wrongs to put right in Emmy’s signature way.
Having managed to mitigate the worse of Bradley’s completely over-the-top ideas, the Blackwood team still have work to do, sharing their good fortune and brightening people’s lives for Christmas. Of course, Emmy ends up with challenges that she tackles head on, involving the President of the United States, her wild female colleagues, a battered mother escaping abuse, unravelling a decades-old mystery, a crazy trip to Vegas that ends up in Alaska, a costume party, and wraps up with wrongs righted.
This is a fun read full of Christmas spirit and is a fully developed, interesting story, even though it is a novella. It’s definitely worth your time.
169 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2020
If you're tired of the same old sugary Christmas story, Spirit is the book for you!
In the beginning, the narration's tone is light and festive; by the end of the first chapter, however, Emmy's sharp mind and generous heart assume the leading role.
The plot is a patchwork of situations based on severe and dramatic circumstances, giving depth to the narrative and creating a genuine Christmas ambience. Emmy commits to resolve all of them, at least for a day, using, as usual, a very personal approach.
The storyline is a rollercoaster of events that engage the readers and glue them to the page. They are outraged, moved, and entertained at all times.
Emmy narrates the story in the first person, offering a glimpse of her magnetic and complex personality.
Most of the Blackwood team is in the cast of characters, for the delight of Ms Noble's faithful readers.
Overall, Spirit is an unusual, witty, fascinating Christmas tale that inspires and amuses while reminding us that everyone can find a way to make others' lives better.
128 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2020
Very different and not so different. A relaxing holiday read.

Very different in that there is not so much scary action and a lot more humanity. Even the hardened assassins and bad boys and girls show a tender side. They are human after all, when they let themselves be. And, while the President was involved quite a bit, the international world was at peace and the third world war was not about to erupt. One could almost say this is Bradley’s book.

Not so different in that we meet most of the known Blackwood characters and it feels like a reunion of a family – as Christmas should, I guess. Like all her other books, Elise’s writing style kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime. Her books have a way of just not letting you put it down before the last page. Several wrongs in the world were corrected and Blackwood got another team member with unique skills. Bradley’s hair color changed several times and he got everyone to do what he wanted, although in a much more complicated way.
9 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2020
Once again Elise Noble delivers an amazing adventure! This series has become my favorite by far, and I am an addict to reading. (Usually a book every other day) The character development of each in this series is quite simply brilliant. Each of them are different and unique but compliment each other in every way...and there are lots of them with 13 books! Spirit is just a hilarious story filled with mystery, tons of laughs with a happy ending! So glad we get a little back story with James and Emmy! Omg the banter with him, Emmy and Dan on the video call!! I so want to see that belt buckle!! And Bradley is off the chain and the internal thoughts regarding all his Christmas shenanigans by Emmy is laugh out loud! Elise knows how to write a story that’s not just entertaining but she is very well written in the grammatical sense. This is a must read if you have read the Blackwood Security series! Can't wait for the next installment!
November 29, 2020
This book certainly has Spirit!

Have I mentioned that I love everything Elise has written? The latest installment, a novel, put me in the Christmas spirit. Not because all the people in the story have a Merry Christmas, because they certainly don’t. But once again, Emmy and her band of bandits use their talents and money for good rather than evil. Deserving souls have their deepest wishes fulfilled and those who makes others miserable end up with coal in their stockings, so to speak. And that certainly warms my heart!

This is a fun little story with a lot of characters we know and love – and of course, there is more of Elise’s trademark humor. Favorite sentence in this book: “Black sent a two word reply that rhymed with duck knee.”
22 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2020
Oh, Bradley and his shenanigans never disappointed! He may be over the top but his heart is always in the right place! This book is a great reminder of what the holiday season is all about! We all may not be able to spread Christmas cheer with an unlimited expense account but we all have it in us to make someone smile and bring joy this holiday season!!!
Favorite part of the book is when Emmy says “Home-made gifts were my favourite, firstly because I rarely got them and secondly because they came with love rather than a hefty price tag. Diamonds were nice and all that, but there was only so much jewellery I could wear.”
Profile Image for Sandra.
388 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2020
With every Blackwood book I read the characters become more and more familiar so I really enjoyed this Christmas novel, especially when you know what Bradley did in previous years, you're dying to find out what he's up to this year. Giving is better than receiving, so Blackwood fulfills wishes this year and Emmy gets a few difficult ones but she usually gets everything done.. it was nice learning about her softer side and I can't love Emmy more.

Please never stop writing about Blackwood Elise 🙏 I can't live without this series.



I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
274 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2020
Emmy Black hired her assistant, Bradley, who had an over the top personality, to organize her life, oversee building her home and make certain she would never have to think about the mundane things in her life. Bradley sparkles, meets the multiple needs of Emmys Blackwood Security friends and also drives them into hiding. Christmas seasons have been extravagant and outrageous. This Christmas is destined to be no different until Emmy and Dan direct Bradley’s enthusiasm towards helping others. Nothing is simple but everything comes together.
Spirit is a fun book filled with meeting the needs of others. Only this undertaking is completed in the Bradley and Emmy way.
784 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2020
Spirit is a thrilling, witty and emotional novella that is part of the amazing Blackwood Security series and it can also be read as a stand-alone book.

Welcome back to Blackwood Security. Emmy has three whole days off and Bradley has plans. When everyone disagrees his alternative idea seems harmless enough .. but this is Bradley .. and Emmy.
Plenty of regular Blackwood favourites feature in this wonderful book and as always there is the perfect blend of action and humour. There is also a glimpse of what makes Emmy tick and some real laugh out loud moments.
This is a fabulous read at any time of year and a brilliant addition to the Blackwood series. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Profile Image for Emma.
35 reviews
December 7, 2020
Settling in with familiar characters is always relaxing as you know how they react. No real surprises in this story but as usual well written with some fun adventures as Emmy and her friends work to provide Christmas miracles. Emmy is her usual bad ass self with a soft heart. Bradley's annual Christmas extravaganza is turned into a heart warming Christmas miracle provider for several local entities. As with most Blackwood stories people the team help are pulled into the wider Blackwood team in a way that improves their confidence and allows them to be the best person they can be.
85 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2020
The story becomes unreal when both Bradley and Emmy are present in the story....there's humor from Bradley's weirdness... there's chaos which, I think, is Emmy's middle name...I have always loved the story which is action packed by Emmy and her team...I don't think anyone would regret reading such a wonderful book...Emmy's madness but her determination to help people in distress is what I love so much about her....Every reader is definitely going to love this book...There's so much going on in the story that no one put the book down without knowing what happens till the end....
7 reviews
November 27, 2020
I loved it!
Once again Bradley's enthusiasm has gotten Emmy into more than she bargained for. A cute, thoughtful plan to bring cheer and make Christmas wishes come true for the less fortunate sees Emmy and the girls jetting off to Alaska, of all places, and discovering a deep dark family secret.
This story is funny, suspenseful, dark, warm and fuzzy all rolled into 1. There's so many facets to this story that I could read it again and again.
49 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2020
Blackwood is doing Christmas in the community.

Emmy tackles 4 impossible wishes while Bradley drives everyone crazy with his holiday cheer. When Emmy and Dan help a woman and her son escape their abuser it sets them up for a whirlwind trip across the country with the girls. Filled with laughs and silly situations this book brings the holiday joy. A novella in the Blackwood series it stands alone but wound be a great a great introduction to the series.
8 reviews
December 1, 2020
Only Bradly can plan and execute the most extravagant Christmas celebrations and get away with it. The whole of Blackwood has to get involved, even if it's under duress.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas novella, as always, Elise Noble entices the reader with action, adventure and fun (glitter is not optional). Can be read as stand alone, but so much better if read in conjunction with the Blackwood Security Series.
Profile Image for Kenisha Lewis.
42 reviews
December 3, 2020
The title of this book is excellent because it shows that Emmy does have a heart. She tries to find the sister of an elderly resident at a care facility even though at first she is a little reluctant to do so. She helps Valerie with her abusive husband, takes a little girl on a helicopter ride because she wants to be a pilot. All of this before Christmas day and of course she does find trouble a long the way. An awesome read as always from Elise Nobel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Fola Samuels.
8 reviews
November 26, 2020
In the Spirit of Christmas , what could go wrong? Well with Bradley and Emmy so many things! But at the end it's a Christmas to remember for the team Blackwood . Elise as always did an amazing job with this novella, moments of joy and fun filled this story from beginning to the end. I love love it!!
169 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2020
Light fun and comeuppance

Love the light Bradley stories. Reading this, I can feel the love, with zilch schmaltiness. I also liked the way that the stories tied together. And thanks for that little peek into Emmy and James’ continuing friendship. And Black, at Christmas! Hahahahaha!
Okay, gotta go read it again.
26 reviews
December 1, 2020
A Christmas novella with a twist. Highly recommended!

how do multi millionaire assassins spend Christmas? by doing good deeds for others, if that's what it takes to keep reindeer out of the backyard!

A fun novella that is just the right balance of Christmas cheer, mixed with a bit of just desserts for the bad guy (cause what's a Blackwood book without a bad guy?).

Profile Image for JP.
1,440 reviews11 followers
December 7, 2020
ABSOLUTELY FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC 😁

Every story that Elise writes is Magic 😃. Guaranteed to be totally entertaining, full of violent action, lip licking sex and AWESOME characters with usually a HEA 😋. This story is just as Awesome, with Lots of Xmas cheer and laughs 😆. Thanks again Elise, I just CAN'T wait to read MORE 🤓.
66 reviews
January 17, 2021
I'm normally a little frustrated with novellas - being short, they don;t have enough detail, or plot or resolution. Not so with this one. I actually cried as justice was served towards the end and everything fell into place quite beautifully.

I think this author is amazing and I'm eagerly devouring everything she's written. I love this Christmas themed book VERY MUCH.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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